Changing basses..'Finalized' (Not!)

[Eric Swanson]

Well, having played that bass very briefly, all I can say is "congratulations," in equal measure, to both the buyer and the seller, of that Hart bass!

Such a great instrument!

[Ken Smith]

I played the old Lion all week on 2 different Gigs, Last Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday morning and Saturday night but, the 2nd concert today on Sunday was cancelled due to a snow storm that rolled in.

My wife and son Mike was at the Saturday night concert and snapped a few shots. As soon as he sends them to me I'll post them here.

The bass worked well in both small sections, 3 basses on that concert and 2 on the one that was cancelled today. The old Lion feels comfortable, blends well, is loud enough and I think it looks like a good physical fit as well, body to bass.

Next month I have an Orchestra Concert with a Pop singer, me in the Rhythm section, no other basses. So I will use an amp as well as run it thru the house from the amp. We did this same type concert two years ago when I have the Neuner bass. That for sure will be a fun night.

[Eric Swanson]

Nice to hear you are having so much fun with it!

With what is the "Old Lion," strung? Which bow(s) does it like best?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

Nice to hear you are having so much fun with it!

With what is the "Old Lion," strung? Which bow(s) does it like best?

It has Belcantos on it now and I use my Lipkins-Sartory bow with it.

When the Extension was made, I gave Arnold an old test set of Flexocor Deluxe's to work with. I have also tried 92s on it as well but to play all styles including Jazz, I thought the Bel's might work better. When those wear out down the road a bit, I might try a full set of Orig. Flex. lol.. Maybe.. Maybe not.

[Ken Smith]

The old Lion relationship has come to an abrupt end. About two months ago, I got a call about a bass coming available. After playing it for a few minutes I took the plunge and bought it. After comparing it to the old Lion, I decided that it was a better bass for me than the old Lion that had just replaced the Hart that was recently sold.

So, my new bass which is restoration at the moment is an Italian bass by Custode Marcucci made in 1897. I played 2 concerts with it at the end of the season as well as a week long show which was the first working test. For me, it does everything better as well as comfort and tone. The old Lion is in the process of being sold. It would be hard looking at it in the rack and not playing it. I have two outdoor concerts coming up soon which I usually use the Kreutzer for protective reasons. Before next season starts, I will have the Marcucci back from restoration and all warmed up. I think THIS is my last bass change, 'bows crossed'!

[Ken Smith]

Here are the basses I use. The Marcucci is my main orchestra bass. The Kreutzer is my back-up or secondary bass for pit shows and outdoor events and to keep the bass warmed up a little is my Viennese style bass (probably made in Prague in the early-mid 19th century). I recently learned that when the Viennese bass came to market nearly 20 years ago, it was selling as a Venetian (Italian) bass.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Here are the basses I use. The Marcucci is my main orchestra bass. The Kreutzer is my back-up or secondary bass for pit shows and outdoor events and to keep the bass warmed up a little is my Viennese style bass (probably made in Prague in the early-mid 19th century). I recently learned that when the Viennese bass came to market nearly 20 years ago, it was selling as a Venetian (Italian) bass.

And then there were two! .. To be continued..